Command, Possess and Claim: The Collection

by Opal Carew

  She turned back to Dane. “Mr. Ranier, I just wanted to let you know that Jessica has left for the day, since she’s not feeling well. Your two o’clock appointment will be here in a few minutes. Would you like me to have someone fill in for me at my desk so I can take over Jessica’s duties during the meeting?”

  Dane glanced at his watch.

  “Take your meeting, Dane,” Rafe said. “You and I can catch up later. I just stopped by to let you know I’m back, and now I’m headed to my apartment. I trust you didn’t sell it on me?”

  “It’s still the way you left it. You can thank Melanie for that. I had her arrange to keep it cleaned and maintained while you were gone. She even has someone come in and water your plants.”

  While Dane lived in a residence at the Ritz-Carlton, where he didn’t have to worry about any kind of upkeep or meal preparation, Rafe had bought a penthouse apartment.

  Rafe turned to Melanie and smiled. “Thanks.”

  The poor woman nearly melted into a puddle at his charming smile. His idiot brother really was blind not to see the effect he had on her.

  Dane walked to his desk and skimmed through the small pile of folders that Jessica must have brought in.

  “It looks like I have everything I need, Melanie. I can get by without Jessica.”

  Melanie nodded. “Yes, Mr. Ranier.”

  She turned and left the office.

  “Are you free this evening?” Rafe asked.

  “I’ll make sure I am,” said Dane. “I’ve got a dinner meeting, but meet me at my place at eight. We’ll have drinks.”

  Rafe smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Before Rafe turned to walk away, Dane saw the truth of those words in Rafe’s eyes.

  Maybe there was hope for them yet.

  * * *

  The elevator doors opened onto the executive floor and Melanie stepped off.

  “Hey, there you are.”

  She glanced around to see Rafe sitting in one of the chairs by the large windows. He stood up and walked toward her. Her heart fluttered as he drew closer.

  “I thought we might grab a coffee before I head back to my apartment.”

  “Um, I’d really like to, but I shouldn’t leave my desk again.”

  “Don’t worry. I arranged for someone to come and answer the phone.”

  She smiled. “Oh, thank you.” Damn, she sounded like a dope. She drew in a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm and collected.

  A few minutes later, they settled at a nice table by the window of a café just a few doors down the street from the office. They ordered two coffees and the waitress brought them in big, colorful mugs.

  She couldn’t believe she was sitting across the small table from Rafe. Her heart fluttered as she took in the sexy sight of him in his black linen suit paired with a black T-shirt, probably made of Egyptian cotton. She longed to reach out and stroke the soft, fine woven fabric, imagining the feel of his hard, muscled chest beneath her fingertips.

  It wasn’t his usual elegant business style, but he’d only sported that look to stay in line with his father’s wishes. He was really pushing the limits coming to the office in such relatively casual attire, but he hadn’t quite crossed a line Dane would take exception to.

  His dark hair was longer than he used to wear it, but combed back, and she noticed small diamond studs in his ears. This whole new bad boy look had her heart palpitating.

  “It hasn’t been the same around here without you,” she said.

  His sky blue eyes locked on her, and he smiled, stealing her breath away. “I missed you, too, Melanie. Especially those wild nails of yours.” He glanced at her fingers, wrapped around her coffee cup. “But I see you’ve toned them down. Probably Dane’s doing. Did he read you the riot act and tell you to go more conservative in the office?”

  She glanced at her fingernails. She was wearing a duochrome polish that flashed from peach to gold in the sunlight streaming in the window, but looked mostly peach in the office lighting. It was as far as she would push it at work, but when Rafe had been here, he’d been fine with her typically daring choices, like a rich teal holographic, sparkly purple, or black with flashy green and royal blue flakes.

  When she was younger, her parents had stifled her creative urge, insisting she take more practical courses in college than art. She knew it was because they were concerned about her finding a stable, secure job, but that didn’t change the fact she had to leave her passion for color and design behind. But Rafe had encouraged her to be herself. That was one of the things she had loved about him from the start.

  “He never actually said anything,” she said, “but I noticed his disapproving glances at my hands from time to time, so I finally backed off to pale, more neutral colors.”

  So her nails, like her life, had simply become more beige after Rafe had left.

  He shook his head. “That’s Dane alright. It’s too bad you caved.”

  She straightened a little in her chair. “That’s easy for you to say. You’re his brother. You don’t have to worry about your job.”

  “True.” He sipped his coffee. “And I wasn’t criticizing. I just hate to see him riding roughshod over everyone. I always loved the way you expressed yourself.” He smiled again, sending tremors through her. “I admired that about you.”

  “Well, maybe now that you’re back, I’ll go a bit wild again.”

  A frisson of excitement rushed through her as she realized maybe she didn’t mean just wild nail polish. Now that she was near Rafe again … she felt this intense yearning to be folded into his arms and devoured by his lips … maybe she would let him know how she felt about him.

  Maybe, like Jessica, she would allow herself to take a chance and experience what she’d only dreamed about.

  “Good for you. I highly recommend it.” He smiled. “And don’t worry about Dane’s disapproving glances. We’ll just ignore them.”

  Her eyes widened. Had he read her thoughts? Did he mean he and she should…?

  But it was just his usual charming, although quite devastating, smile. There was nothing in his sexy blue eyes that showed any interest in her as a woman.

  None at all.

  Just as well. She probably didn’t have it in her. Taking chances wasn’t her thing.

  Not like Jessica, who’d jumped into her relationship with Mr. Ranier with both feet. Not like Rafe, who’d walked away from his life for a year, searching for happiness.

  “Why are you here?” she asked.

  He tipped his head. “Why? Don’t you want me back?” he teased.

  “No, I just wondered. You told me you wanted to live life your way. Not by your father’s rules. Or your brother’s. What changed?”

  He shrugged. “I went out and lived my dream. Took to the open road on a motorcycle. Joined a rock band. Played in front of enthusiastic crowds.” He gazed at her. “I found complete freedom.”

  His already incredible sexiness level rocketed to new heights. She quivered at the thought of him wearing a black leather jacket, mounting a motorcycle, then her climbing on behind him and wrapping her arms around his muscular torso. She drew in a breath, still wanting an answer to her question.

  “But…?”

  His eyebrows arched. “Why do you think there’s a ‘but’? Why don’t you just think that I did it and now it’s time to return to my old life?”

  She shrugged. “Why would you? You never liked working in a big company like this. You’ve got enough money to live your life without financial worries. Why would you come back?”

  He smiled. “Would you believe me if I said it was because I missed you?”

  Her insides trembled, wishing so very much that it was true. But she knew it wasn’t.

  She shook her head. “Sorry, no. I think it’s because you missed your brother, and you want to work things out.”

  She hoped that was part of it. She knew Mr. Ranier had missed his brother and she’d love to see the two of them get past their d
ifferences. She wanted to see Rafe happy.

  And she really hoped he was going to stay.

  “You know, I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag, but he’s changed things around here. For the better. I really think he’s missed you and he’s trying to take the company in a direction that you would approve of.”

  Rafe snorted. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

  She nodded. “Okay, why did you come back then?”

  He sighed deeply. “It has to do with a woman.”

  “Oh?” Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be…?

  He leaned forward and heat simmered through her. “I know you won’t believe this but…”

  “What?” she asked breathlessly.

  “The woman is Jessica.”

  Her shoulders stiffened. “Jessica?” She shook her head in disbelief. “But … you’ve only just met her.” But as soon as she’d said the words, she realized it wasn’t true.

  “That’s just it. I met her during my travels. Pretty crazy, right? I was living in this small town—”

  “Bakersfield?”

  He gazed at her in surprise. “That’s right. You know where Jessica is from?”

  She nodded. “We’re roommates. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well.”

  “Well, I met her in Bakersfield and I fell in love with her.”

  She sucked in a breath. “Oh, God, you’re Storm.”

  Damn it, how lucky could one woman be? Jessica had had an affair with both of the devastatingly handsome Ranier brothers.

  “She told you about me. That’s a good sign.”

  “She told me you broke her heart.”

  “I know. And I’m going to talk to her about that. Make it right.” His long, masculine fingers wrapped snugly around the bright orange, yellow, and white patterned mug in front of him. “Because when I was away from her, I realized that I’d been a complete jackass and thrown away the best thing that ever happened to me. Then I tried to get in touch with her and she was gone. She’d moved away without a trace. When I realized I’d lost her for good, I died inside.” His haunted gaze locked on her. “I found out she’d moved to Philly, but I had no idea where. So I came home. Partly in hopes I’d be able to find her, but also because I needed to be around people who know me and care about me. Even if one of those people is a brother I don’t get along with. He’s family and that’s what I needed.”

  She wondered if he considered her one of the people who cared about him. She was only his secretary, but over the time she’d worked for him, they had developed a closeness of sorts.

  Then a smile chased away the sadness in his eyes.

  “How crazy is it that when I come home, she’s right here.” He beamed at her. “It’s got to be fate, right?”

  Melanie forced a smile, wishing with all her heart that he would feel about her how he obviously felt about Jessica.

  She kept the smile pasted on her face even though all she wanted to do was sob. She nodded cheerfully. “You’re right. It must be fate.”

  * * *

  When Rafe stepped into Dane’s living room, he noticed Dane’s eyebrow arch when he saw Rafe’s faded blue jeans and T-shirt. Or was it because of the tattoos flowing down his arms? Well, hell, he wasn’t going to wear a suit all the time.

  “Problem?” he asked as he walked into the lavish living room and sprawled on the couch.

  “The tattoos aren’t really what one would expect of an executive of a big firm like Ranier Industries.”

  Rafe shrugged. “Maybe I don’t like being what people expect.”

  Dane’s brow rose again. “Maybe?”

  “Are you really going to play it like Dad would have?”

  Dane placed a drink in front of Rafe, then settled into the armchair facing him.

  “Of course not. You know I’m not Dad. And I never agreed with the way he treated you.”

  “But you never stopped it.” As soon as the words escaped Rafe’s mouth he regretted them. He leaned forward, his hands folded. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t up to you to fix things. I should have stood up to the man years ago.”

  “How could you? He had all the power. Even if you’d tried to walk away from the family, he wouldn’t have allowed it.”

  Rafe laughed without humor. “True. He may not have wanted me for a son, but he wouldn’t allow the world to see his failure.”

  Dane swirled his glass, the ice cubes tinkling against the side. He was clearly unable to refute his brother’s words.

  “Well, he’s gone now and I want you here.” He locked gazes with Rafe. “Not because I want to force you into a life you don’t want, but because you’re my brother and you’re important to me.”

  Rafe just nodded, but his heart swelled at his brother’s admission. Dane had always been the tough older brother, but Rafe had always sought Dane’s approval. And friendship. But Dane had always sought Dad’s approval and had tried to get Rafe to fall in line. Rafe knew now it was because Dane was just trying to make things easier on all of them, but when Rafe was younger, he had felt it was a betrayal.

  After almost a year away, he now had more perspective, and he realized his brother had always been looking out for him, in his own way.

  “Well, I’m here now and I’d like to jump back into things, if that’s okay with you.”

  Dane smiled broadly. “That’s better than okay. I’m off on a trip to Chicago for the rest of the week, but we can meet when I get back to see what you want to take on. This week, Melanie can ensure you get up to speed on what’s been going on.”

  He watched as Dane swirled his glass again.

  “I know that look,” Rafe said. “What’s on your mind?”

  “This thing with you and Jessica. I’m just wondering what your intent is.”

  “My intent? You sound like her father.”

  “Did he ask you that, too?”

  Rafe chuckled. “Not in so many words, but the way he’d look at me … I doubt he wanted his daughter falling for a tattooed musician.”

  That’s why it had surprised him so much when her dad had spilled the beans about where she’d gone.

  Dane chuckled, too. “I wonder what his attitude would be if he found out you were a billionaire entrepreneur.”

  Rafe shrugged. “It probably wouldn’t have changed. He clearly loves his daughter and wants her to be happy. That’s why he didn’t toss me out on my duff when we were together. Because she was happy.”

  Rafe wished he had experienced that kind of love from his own father. He set his glass on the table. “And I intend to ensure she’s happy again.”

  * * *

  Jessica glanced up as soon as she felt his presence. Not Dane. Storm. Or rather, Rafe. Damn, she’d never get used to thinking of him as Rafe Ranier.

  She remembered her brother telling her that Storm had gotten that name because when he played guitar, he took the audience by storm. The moniker suited him so well, she couldn’t imagine him by any other name.

  As she stared at him standing in her doorway, dressed in an expensive suit, looking way more like Dane than she ever would have imagined, her heart stammered.

  He was Storm, with his gentle eyes and the slight curl to his lips as he watched her, yet he was a stranger.

  “What is it?” she finally asked, since he seemed determined to just stand there.

  “I’d like to talk to you.”

  She pushed her keyboard tray under the desk and sat back in her chair. “Okay, go ahead.”

  He crossed his arms. “Not here. My office would be more private.”

  She frowned. “What if I don’t want to be somewhere private with you?”

  He compressed his lips. “You do realize I’m your boss, right?”

  She frowned. “Actually, Dane’s my boss.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Dane? You call him by his first name?”

  Damn, she hadn’t meant to do that.

  “No, I call him Mr. Ranier, but his first name is Dane and that’s the
only way to differentiate the two of you.”

  He gazed at her speculatively, then continued. “Dane and I both own the company, so I qualify as your boss, too, even if you don’t report directly to me.”

  She stared at him defiantly.

  “Miss Long, I want you in my office now.”

  His words sent a quiver through her … of anxiety, but also of excitement. He was more like Dane than she’d thought, especially when he pulled that commanding boss thing on her.

  She pushed herself to her feet, then followed him to his office. When he closed the door behind them, she felt another shiver. Other than their short interaction in Dane’s office yesterday, she hadn’t been alone with him since the time he’d walked out on her. But she’d dreamed of him. Longed to be with him.

  But he’d broken her heart and she didn’t want that kind of pain again. Not only that, he’d lied about who he was.

  He stepped behind her and as soon as she felt his hand on her shoulder, she shot forward a step, her heart racing. She reached for the stone in her pocket and stroked it.

  He walked toward his desk, then turned to face her.

  “Jess, we have a lot to talk about. I know you probably don’t want to do it here in the office, so I want you to come to my place for dinner this evening. We can discuss what happened and I’ll answer all your questions.”

  “I can’t. You had your opportunity and you broke my heart. You can’t just waltz back here and expect to pick up where we left off.”

  “Jess, come on. Give me a chance.” He reached for her and stroked her hair behind her ear. The gentle touch sent tingles through her, and a dangerous desire to lean into his hand. To nuzzle his palm, then press her lips to his skin. “I made the biggest mistake of my life. Now let me spend the rest of it making up for it. I’m ready to be the man you deserve.”

  As if sensing her capitulation, he stepped closer and leaned toward her. He was going to kiss her. And she wanted him to. To feel his lips against hers again. His solid body pressed tight to hers.

  The door opened.

  “Jessica, we have to go. We have a plane to catch.”